Laser-machining apparatus

ABSTRACT

A laser apparatus is disclosed comprising a resonator for emitting a laser beam, an assembly for circularly or elliptically polarizing the laser beam emitted from the resonator, a lens assembly for focusing the laser beam from the polarizer to a workpiece with the laser beam from the polarizer to the lens having an axis, and the resonator having a folding mirror assembly for linearly polarizing the laser beam with the resonator being positioned relative to the polarizer so that the plane of reflection of the mirror assembly is approximately 45 degrees relative to the axis.



